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“Scientists are starting to think of the anterior mid-cingulate cortex not just as one of the seats of willpower but perhaps actually the seat of the will to live."

- Dr. Andrew Huberman

The “hack” to achieving growth through discomfort is to do what sucks.

But what really sucks? Cold plunges? Long runs? Lifting to exhaustion?

First, let’s look at what Huberman explains about the brain’s anterior mid-cingulate cortex relationship with discomfort.

• The anterior mid-cingulate cortex grows when individuals engage in tasks that they don't want to do, like adding extra exercise or resisting tempting foods while dieting. However, this growth is not permanent – the cortex can shrink if the individual stops engaging in these challenging tasks.

So if you feel good doing a cold plunge then science says you lost that opportunity to grow through discomfort?

Or even shrink your capacity to face discomfort?

That’s wild! But it makes sense and works like a muscle.

Huberman also explains that the anterior mid-cingulate cortex has neuroplasticity. This means it has the ability to change throughout your entire lifespan. This plasticity works in both directions; it can grow in response to challenges, but it can also shrink if not continuously engaged.

This is how the great ones end up being called crazy.

Goggins gets called crazy because he’s always looking for the next thing he doesn’t want to do. Most of you know it sucks to workout but you love the pump. So you start enjoying the workout. So how do find the part we don’t want to do?

Challenge:

If you’re looking forward to that lift, 5 mile run, 8am cold plunge, or reading your favorite book… then it’s time to push the envelope.

Add another leg day if you hate it. Don’t like hamstring curls? Time to start the workout and end the workout with that exercise.

Run 5 miles in the rain, or when you don’t feel like you have time, or when you’re convinced it’s a rest day.

Make that 8am cold plunge start at 6am: before coffee, before you eat, when you’re extra tired and couldn’t sleep.

Grab that book and push yourself to memorize paragraphs and pages when you don’t want to. Read when all you want to do is pick up your phone and scroll.

For example: I’m tired, it’s very late, and I don’t feel like writing. But here I am banging out this newsletter instead of procrastinating.

Self Reflection:

Find the truth. What parts of your life are you using discomfort but actually enjoying it?

What activities do you do where other people say, “wow thats really hard.” But in reality it’s not that hard for you and could be pushed more?

What could you tweak to attack the “I don’t want to” moments that already exist but you’re not paying attention to?

How could you turn some pseudo discomfort activities into “I don’t want to” activities that drive growth toward your will power?

Let me know as you test yourself and know that I’ll be out there with you.

Give More.

Joe

PS. Here’s the link if you haven’t heard it yet. https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/david-goggins-how-to-build-immense-inner-strength